Charles V Straits, 91 of Millersburg, Ohio passed away Wednesday, October 16,2024 at the Holmes County Home.

 

Charlie was born July 7, 1933 at home in Nashville, Ohio, to Ralph and Caroline (Kaylor) Straits. He grew up with 5 other siblings, Ralph, George, and Catherine (Lahm), who have all passed on and Mary Rose (Cline) and Ruthie (Tomassetti), who survive.  Two step-brothers, Mike and Richard Straits also survive.  

 

As the story goes, Charlie winked at a cutie across the classroom in Clark High School and the rest was history, marrying Janet (Seidner) on September 4, 1954.  They recently celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary, a feat not easily accomplished.  Charlie and Janet raised a family of 6 children, David (Shary) of Warsaw, Mark (Sue) of Sugarcreek, Paul (Diana)of Millersburg, Phillip (Joyce) of Killbuck, Douglas (Bonna) of Coshocton, and Lisa (Ben) Ogi of Killbuck.   They have 14 grandchildren,17 great grandchildren with another on the way and several step grandchildren and step great grandchildren.

 

After graduation from Clark High School in 1952, Charlie, his dad and 2 brothers started a partnership in farming, then he eventually began working for several different carpenters, building and remodeling houses.  He worked for Smiley Buildings before he eventually started his own business, All-Ohio Buildings in 1965, which he ran until his 80’s building post-frame and metal buildings. Those of you that knew Charlie, knew how proud he was of his business and could talk about buildings to anyone who would listen and maybe even some that didn’t want to listen.  If you ever rode in a car with him, he would point out every building he built along the way to wherever you were going.  

 

Charlie enjoyed gardening, bird watching, and his loyal dogs and cats over the years. He also spent countless hours checking his oil wells and the water system. He rode his 4 wheeler to do these things up until he was 89, with his beagle dog by his side. He also enjoyed farming and raising beef cattle for much of his life as a hobby. 

 

Surviving are sister in-laws Kathleen Straits and Trudy Straits and brother in-law Dale Lahm, along with several nephews and nieces.  Relatives that have passed before Charlie, besides his parents and siblings are Roger Tomassetti and a great grandchild.  

 

A fall and dementia caused Charlie to leave home in May of 2023, landing him at The Holmes County Home for the last year and a half.  It wasn't how he would have wanted it, being a very strong and independent man for his whole life, but the family is forever grateful to the Holmes County Home and Lifecare Hospice for their help in caring for him.  The family requests that donations can be given to either of those two organizations.  

 

A mass will be held at St Peter’s Catholic Church, Millersburg, on Monday October 21st at 11 a.m. with burial to follow at Oak Hill Cemetery.  Friends and family may visit one hour prior to the mass. On-line condolences can be made by visiting www.alexanderfhinc.com.